Most commonly used tuning fork in ear examination-
**Core Concept**
The tuning fork is a medical instrument used to assess hearing and distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. The most commonly used tuning fork in ear examination is the 512 Hz tuning fork, which is also known as Weber's tuning fork.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Weber's tuning fork is used to lateralize sound to the affected ear in cases of unilateral hearing loss. The 512 Hz frequency is chosen because it is within the range of human speech and is therefore more sensitive to hearing loss. When placed on the forehead, the sound of the tuning fork should lateralize to the affected ear in cases of sensorineural hearing loss, and to the better ear in cases of conductive hearing loss. This is because the bone conduction of sound is greater than air conduction in cases of conductive hearing loss, and vice versa in cases of sensorineural hearing loss.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specify the frequency of the tuning fork, which is an important factor in its use.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is not a commonly used tuning fork in ear examination.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is not the most commonly used tuning fork in ear examination.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that the 512 Hz tuning fork is the most commonly used tuning fork in ear examination, and it should be used to lateralize sound to the affected ear in cases of unilateral hearing loss.
**Correct Answer: C. 102 Hz tuning fork is not typically used for this purpose, and 512 Hz (Weber's tuning fork) is the correct answer.**